Digital Maturity: an overview applied to the manufacturing industry in the region of Tāmega e Sousa, Portugal

Abstract

Digitalization is undoubtedly a major challenge for companies in the coming years. Applying a Design Science methodology this paper aims to describe the process for the development of a solution for obtaining an overview of the Digital Maturity in the manufacturing industry of the region of Tâmega e Sousa (an industrial region located in the north of Portugal). The evaluation process consisted of a sample of 53 companies that allowed to get a first picture of the region. Summing up, it is possible to say that a digital strategy is in the companies’ plans with a focus on processes digitalization. In general, an overall digital strategy for the companies is in line with the marketing and human resources, in a middle position, with a few companies taking the lead, the majority following, and some others still now awakening to this reality.